MOBILIÁRIO BARROCO | Estilo Luís XIV e outras curiosidades!

Summary

This video delves into the rich history of Baroque furniture, focusing on its development across Europe during the 17th century. It explores the origins of the Baroque style in Italy as a response to the Protestant Reformation, highlighting its appeal to both the Catholic Church and the European aristocracy. The video covers different Baroque styles, including French, English, Dutch, and German influences, showcasing extravagant craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and innovative designs like the folding 'gate leg' table. The detailed examples and historical context provide insight into how Baroque furniture reflected the opulence and cultural shifts of its time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Baroque furniture originated in Italy at the end of the 16th century and became prominent in Europe in the 17th century, largely as a response to the Protestant Reformation.
• 😀 The Catholic Church used Baroque style as a visual counterpoint to Protestant minimalism, incorporating rich decorations and symbolic imagery to draw in and retain followers.
• 😀 Baroque furniture was not only used in religious settings but also embraced by the European aristocracy and new wealthy classes, especially in France.
• 😀 The French Baroque period saw significant opulence, with King Louis XIV commissioning furniture made of solid silver, though these pieces were eventually melted down due to financial difficulties.
• 😀 A major cultural initiative during Louis XIV's reign was the establishment of art and architecture academies to elevate France's cultural standing on the global stage.
• 😀 The term 'ébéniste' (cabinetmaker) emerged during the French Baroque, referring to craftsmen who specialized in high-end, intricately decorated furniture.
• 😀 André-Charles Boulle, a famous French ébéniste, created exceptional pieces such as a commode inlaid with ebony, brass, and marquetry, demonstrating the high-quality craftsmanship of the time.
• 😀 In England, Baroque furniture initially took the form of the Jacobean style, which was simpler and less ornate than its French counterpart, with an emphasis on functional designs.
• 😀 The Gateleg table from the Jacobean period is notable for its innovative design, with extendable sides allowing the table's size to adjust, a precursor to modern multifunctional furniture.
• 😀 In contrast, the William and Mary style in England was more decorative, featuring ornate details such as drop handles, onion-shaped feet, and more sophisticated marquetry, marking a shift towards greater embellishment in English furniture.

Q & A

What is the Baroque style of furniture, and when did it emerge?

The Baroque style of furniture emerged in the late 16th century in Italy but fully spread and consolidated across Europe in the 17th century. It was an artistic and religious response to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing rich, ornamental, and highly decorative elements as a contrast to the minimalist approach of Protestantism.

How did the Catholic Church use Baroque art and furniture to counter the Protestant Reformation?

The Catholic Church, through the Counter-Reformation, used the Baroque style to counter the minimalist aesthetic of Protestantism. Baroque furniture and art were designed to be lavish, with gold, precious stones, and intricate imagery to create a more visually appealing and joyful experience for the faithful, encouraging them to remain in the Roman Catholic faith.

What are the key characteristics of the Louis XIII Baroque style?

The Louis XIII Baroque style, despite being named after the French king, was relatively simple and austere compared to later Baroque styles. It featured spiral turning on furniture legs, with a focus on practicality and less adornment. It represented a transitional phase between the Renaissance and full Baroque.

What role did the bourgeoisie play in the spread of Baroque furniture?

As the bourgeoisie (new rich class) grew in power, especially in France, they began purchasing and using Baroque furniture for their homes and palaces. This marked a significant shift in Baroque furniture from exclusively aristocratic use to being popular among the rising middle class.

How did Louis XIV influence Baroque furniture design?

Louis XIV, also known as the 'Sun King,' played a major role in defining Baroque furniture in France. His reign was marked by extreme opulence, and he commissioned furniture made of solid silver, though it was eventually melted down due to financial troubles. Louis XIV's reign also saw the rise of 'ébénistes,' craftsmen who worked with exotic woods and intricate marquetry to produce luxurious, highly detailed furniture.

What is the significance of André-Charles Boulle in the Baroque furniture industry?

André-Charles Boulle was a famous French 'ébéniste' and the official cabinetmaker to Louis XIV. He is known for creating pieces with exquisite marquetry, inlays of metals like brass, and furniture that set the standard for Baroque luxury. One notable piece from Boulle's work is a commode with intricate metal and wood inlays.

What is the importance of 'ébénistes' in the context of Baroque furniture?

'Ébénistes' were specialized cabinetmakers who worked with high-end materials like ebony and ivory to create intricate designs in Baroque furniture. They were distinguished from regular carpenters due to their advanced techniques in veneering and marquetry, which made the furniture highly valued and luxurious.

How did the Baroque furniture style differ between France and England?

In France, Baroque furniture was highly decorative, with intricate carvings and luxurious finishes, especially during Louis XIV’s reign. In contrast, England’s Baroque style, such as the 'Jacobean' and 'William and Mary' styles, was more restrained, with simpler lines and less ornamental decoration. However, the 'William and Mary' style saw an increase in decoration compared to earlier forms.

What is the significance of the 'gateleg' table in English Baroque furniture?

The 'gateleg' table, which originated in England during the Baroque period, is significant for being one of the first examples of a table with variable geometry. Its design allowed the table to fold and expand, making it highly functional and adaptable to different needs, representing innovation in furniture design at the time.

What are some key features of the Dutch Baroque furniture style?

Dutch Baroque furniture, influenced by trade with Asia, incorporated elements such as Indian cane work, which provided a lightweight, comfortable, and ventilated seat. Additionally, the Dutch Baroque style, often referred to as the 'Auricular Baroque,' was characterized by curvaceous, organic shapes that resembled ear-like forms, and the use of sculpted metal elements in furniture design.